I am going to buy a recovery strap, D-ring receiver mount, and various other accessories so that I am well-equipped if I'm ever in a position to need to pulled out of something (or to help pull someone else out).

The maximum trailer weight on my WK2 Overland Hemi is 8,000 pounds. Is that also the maximum permissible load on the receiver hitch, or is the maximum permissible load different?

The point of my question is - do I risk damaging the vehicle if I buy a 20,000 or 30,000 pound recovery strap? No one seems to make a 10,000 pound strap, but all else being equal, I'd prefer the strap to break before the frame.

sined240

04-10-2012 06:52 AM

Re: Tow hitch maximum load capacity?

The maximum load has to do with the drivetrain as well as the wheelbase, design of the unibody and etc. If I had to bet, I would put money on the fact that the drivetrain will go before the unibody/chassis. Moving parts are weaker than static parts...

rubicontrail.net

04-10-2012 08:32 AM

Re: Tow hitch maximum load capacity?

You want as strong of a strap as you get. Why introduce a weak link into the equation. A strap breakage could be catastrophic.

brandont

04-10-2012 11:19 AM

Towing capacity takes all kinds of factors into account, not just pure grunt. You'll be fine pulling with much more force than the tow rating. That said if you can't get someone out with 20k lbs of force helping then do both of you a favor and call a tow truck!

Mendo

04-14-2012 01:24 PM

Re: Tow hitch maximum load capacity?

^ +1. The tow rating is to cover towing over long distances and time frames. As long as the receiver hitch and d shackle are rated to more than the strap you won't have any problem with the 20,000 pound strap. I disagree with one of the above posts, you need the strap to be the weak (albeit 20,000 lbs strong) link. Better for it to break than something on the car or worse still the d shackle breaks and becomes a missile. It is recommended you put something, like a blanket over the strap to act as a damper so if it does break the blanket stops recoil. They normally come with a recovery package anyway.